Little details in cars we’re thankful for (and a few that suck)

Sometimes, the thoughtful little details in cars can make the biggest difference

By Jodi Lai

Originally published: August 14, 2014

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We at Driving evaluate cars based on pretty objective things like value, performance and build quality, but sometimes the little details get left behind because they’re not as sexy as horsepower numbers or fancy new LED headlights.

Yes, the big things like a car’s engine, transmission and even its infotainment system are important, but it’s often the thoughtful little details that make a bigger difference in daily life. Here are a few little features we love to see in cars that you should take note of when car shopping (and a few others options later on that you probably shouldn’t spend your money on):

Having a trunk release inside, on the trunk itself and on the key fob: This seems like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many automakers overlook this little detail. Having three trunk release options makes the most sense and is the most helpful.

Sometimes, cars don’t have trunk release levers inside, so you have to turn the car off, take out the key and open the trunk using the button on the key or get out of the car and open it manually. This is annoying when you’re picking someone up and can’t open the trunk for them without turning off the car.

There should always be a trunk release in the cabin, on the trunk and on the keys.Stock image, Fotolia

Volume knobs: This is so simple, but you’d be surprised how many cars don’t have a simple volume knob. Whenever I get into a car I’m reviewing, I have a sigh of relief when I see a volume knob. Maybe it’s just me, but I hate furiously pushing a button to change the volume.

USB port: So you can charge your phone while you drive and listen to your music. Also, when your device is plugged into the car via the USB port, the driver can use the steering wheel-mounted controls or the buttons on the dashboard to change the volume or skip a track. You can’t do this with an auxiliary input jack — you would have to fumble around with your device to change the song and take your eyes off the road. This problem is made worse when your device doesn’t have physical buttons because you have to take your eyes off the road, unlock your device, find your music app and then tap the button on the screen. USB ports generally make it a bit easier for a driver to not get distracted.

USB ports are so handy in cars. They are almost standard now, but you’d be surprised how many automakers don’t offer this as standard equipment yet.Handout, Hyundai

Fuel economy monitor: This is a really simple thing that should come standard on every car, but some automakers still don’t offer them as standard equipment. It’s always nice to know what your average fuel economy is so you can tailor your driving style to get the most mileage from your car. Also, keeping tabs on the average is a quick and easy way to know if there’s something wrong with your car of if you need a tune up.

Cargo nets: So your groceries don’t go flying in the trunk. It’s a simple solution to a common problem.

Multiple storage bins and cubbies in the cabin: It’s nice when everything has its place and you have a special spot for things like your phone, pocket change, gum and keys.

Convex mirrors on your side mirrors that focus in on your blind spot: This is especially helpful when cars have terrible blind spots. Although drivers should always shoulder check before changing lanes, these little mirrors help the matter tremendously.

Side mirrors like this are excellent.Handout, Ford

And here are a few features some cars have that we think are kind of dumb (we would advise against spending your money on these options)

Massaging seats: [File this under #richpeopleproblems – “My Range Rover won’t stop massaging me!”] This is a weird distraction and expensive option that some luxury automakers put into many of their higher-end cars. We’re not sure who asked for massaging seats, but we don’t like them because they’re expensive and slightly unsafe.

I was driving a 2014 Range Rover Supercharged a few weeks ago, and all of a sudden, the seat started prodding me and making me squirm. It was more annoying than it was relaxing. It was also jabbing me in all the wrong spots – no two drivers are the same shape, so there’s no guarantee the seat will massage you in the correct sports. The worst part is that I couldn’t figure out how to turn it off, so I had to pull over and push all the buttons until the chair stopped moving. It also turned on automatically when the car started, so you had to turn it off every time you got in.

We also don’t like this because the more moving mechanical parts and computers a car has, the more likely you will end up with an expensive repair bill when you take it to the shop to fix.

Heated/cooled cupholders: We were on the fence about this one. Yes, it is neat, but is it necessary or just excessive? We think it’s just a kitschy money grab — I tested a car with this feature once and it didn’t really help that much. Also, just think about how expensive it would be to repair. I doubt your local mechanic wouldn’t know how; you’d have to go to the dealer for a pricey fix.

Are you a fan of heated/cooled cupholders?Handout, Dodge

Ashtrays and cigarette lighters: Does anybody still use these? Most smokers just carry lighters and throw their cigarette butts out of the window any way (not that we approve of littering). When a car has these generally useless features, it takes up valuable space on the centre console. Most automakers don’t offer this any more and we like that they would rather give us DC ports that we can use to recharge our GPS system or phone.

Overzealous safety doodads: We’re all for safety assistants, but we like ones that give us gentle reminders, not annoying and jarring ones that shout “DON’T DO THAT” right in your face. We like when there’s a light that appears when a car is in your blind spot, and if your turn signal is on and a car is there and you begin to move your wheel, most cars will give you a gentle beep to notify you. But a few overzealous cars will vibrate your seat or jerk the steering wheel in the other direction, which scares the crap out of us, causing a brief moment of confusion, which could actually result in another accident. Audible warnings are the best. Physical ones, not so much.

Are there any thoughtful or annoying details and options you found in your cars? Tell us about them in the comment section below or tweet us at @Drivingdotca